Type:
Master
Speciality:
022803.02.7 - Armenian Studies
Specialisation:
022803.02.7 - Diaspora Studies
Qualification awarded:
Master’s degree in Armenian studies
Programme academic year:
2025/2026
Mode of study:
Full time
Language of study:
Հայերեն
1. Admission criteria/requirements
Admission to the program is conducted through an oral exam (according to YSU’s regulations on admissions to full-time and part-time modes of study (reconfirmed every year)).
2. Programme Objectives
1. to provide students with complete scientific knowledge about the Diaspora and related phenomena,
2. to convey to them in-depth knowledge of the history of the Armenian Diaspora and current issues,
3. to give them systematic knowledge about the organizational and structural state of the Armenian Diaspora,
4. to provide them with appropriate scientific and methodological skills that will enable students to engage in the study of the history and current problems of the Armenian and other diasporas.
2. to convey to them in-depth knowledge of the history of the Armenian Diaspora and current issues,
3. to give them systematic knowledge about the organizational and structural state of the Armenian Diaspora,
4. to provide them with appropriate scientific and methodological skills that will enable students to engage in the study of the history and current problems of the Armenian and other diasporas.
3. Educational outcomes of the programme
Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:
- reproduce the acquired knowledge about diaspora and related phenomena.
- realize the interdisciplinary nature of Diaspora studies and reproduce the knowledge and scientific approaches provided by each of the disciplines of the Diaspora studies block.
- define the Diaspora phenomenon and related concepts.
- formulate the essences of the Diaspora and its related phenomena.
- present the current problems of Diaspora studies, discuss the patterns of the origin of the Diaspora phenomenon.
- to examine the patterns underlying the emergence of the Diaspora phenomenon.
- read, write, speak, listen, and understand oral speech in a foreign language.
- work with text, graphics, and tables.
- analyze the developments of the current phase of the Diaspora.
- predict certain developments in the Diaspora.
- use the knowledge gained in Diaspora research.
- evaluate the characteristics of phenomena related to the Diaspora.
- apply a systemic approach in terms of fully recognizing the Armenian Diaspora.
- demonstrate an interdisciplinary approach to Diaspora knowledge.
- compare and contrast the realities related to the Armenian Diaspora with the similar realities of other diasporas, pointing out the commonalities and peculiarities.
- compare/combine the methodological approaches of different disciplines and the provided data for a more thorough understanding of the Diaspora or its related phenomena.
- summarize the information on the developments related to the Diaspora and make valid conclusions.
- make generalizations taking into account the characteristics of specific phenomena related to the Diaspora.
- master a foreign language to the extent necessary to extract information of a professional nature from foreign language sources.
4. Assessment methods
Based on the workload of the courses provided by the curriculum of the educational program, the mode of study, teaching methods, and taking into account the degree of importance of the course in the formation of professional knowledge and abilities of the student, the courses are divided into 4 groups according to the evaluation form:
a) with the final assessment,
b) without final assessment,
c) without evaluation of mid-term exams,
d) check-up
Accordingly, the evaluation components of the given course and the points allocated to them are chosen by the teaching professor and approved by the Chair. The forms of conducting assessments and examinations are indicated in the specification of the given educational program.
At the end of the program, students submit a thesis for defense.
a) with the final assessment,
b) without final assessment,
c) without evaluation of mid-term exams,
d) check-up
Accordingly, the evaluation components of the given course and the points allocated to them are chosen by the teaching professor and approved by the Chair. The forms of conducting assessments and examinations are indicated in the specification of the given educational program.
At the end of the program, students submit a thesis for defense.
5. Graduates future career opportunities
The program was introduced due to the mutual agreement of the RA Minister of Diaspora and YSU Rector to provide the field with relevant specialists.
The RA Office of the High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs, Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and State Migration Service are the main bodies providing jobs to diaspora experts. In these bodies, graduates can build their careers from the perspective of many years. In recent years, three of the graduates of the Diaspora Studies Master's program joined the staff of the Office of the High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs.
YSU Institute of Armenian Studies, where a Department of Diaspora Studies was recently established, also offers job opportunities for graduates. Currently, two graduates of the Diaspora Studies Master's program work at the institute.
Employment opportunities for specialists have also been created in different faculties and editorial offices of scientific journals of YSU. One of the graduates of the program teaches at the Faculty of Oriental Studies of YSU and another works in the editorial staff of the "Banber Yerevan University" journal.
It should be noted that the RA Civil Service Council is also interested in Diaspora specialists, hiring one of the graduates of the program in 2016.
Other bodies providing jobs to the graduates are diaspora organizations interested in cooperation through their Armenian branches and programs. One of the Diaspora Studies Masters worked at the Armenian head office of the World Armenian Congress.
The agreement reached with the department of Armenian communities of the "Galust Külpenkean" institution to carry out research programs with the help of the Masters of Diaspora Studies also provides an opportunity for graduates to work on long-term research projects.
The RA Office of the High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs, Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and State Migration Service are the main bodies providing jobs to diaspora experts. In these bodies, graduates can build their careers from the perspective of many years. In recent years, three of the graduates of the Diaspora Studies Master's program joined the staff of the Office of the High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs.
YSU Institute of Armenian Studies, where a Department of Diaspora Studies was recently established, also offers job opportunities for graduates. Currently, two graduates of the Diaspora Studies Master's program work at the institute.
Employment opportunities for specialists have also been created in different faculties and editorial offices of scientific journals of YSU. One of the graduates of the program teaches at the Faculty of Oriental Studies of YSU and another works in the editorial staff of the "Banber Yerevan University" journal.
It should be noted that the RA Civil Service Council is also interested in Diaspora specialists, hiring one of the graduates of the program in 2016.
Other bodies providing jobs to the graduates are diaspora organizations interested in cooperation through their Armenian branches and programs. One of the Diaspora Studies Masters worked at the Armenian head office of the World Armenian Congress.
The agreement reached with the department of Armenian communities of the "Galust Külpenkean" institution to carry out research programs with the help of the Masters of Diaspora Studies also provides an opportunity for graduates to work on long-term research projects.
6. Resources and forms to support learning
To ensure the defined results, a differentiated approach will be shown in terms of each of the courses, generally imparting to the Master's students:
1. electronic aids,
2. conducting classroom demonstrations,
3. organizing discussions,
4. Brainstorming.
1. electronic aids,
2. conducting classroom demonstrations,
3. organizing discussions,
4. Brainstorming.
7. Educational standards or programme benchmarks used for programme development
YSU is the only university in RA that prepares Masters in Diaspora Studies, so the program was reformed mainly based on international standards, taking into account relevant international educational programs. According to them, as a field of science, diaspora studies have an inter-educational (interdisciplinary) nature and are related to different branches of science: history, jurisprudence, sociology, cultural studies, linguistics, literary studies, anthropology, political science, etc. The curriculum of the program has been supplemented with new courses, which are designed to further crystallize students' knowledge. When developing the program, the characteristics presented for the 7th level of the RA National Framework of Qualifications, the "Manual for the Development of YSU Educational Programs" prepared by the YSU Quality Assurance Center, the "Guide for filling out the Educational Program Specification and Course Descriptions" and other materials were used.
8. Requirements for the academic staff
General Abilities
Teaching/Pedagogical
· Clear definition of the educational goals and objectives of the taught course
· Ability to make the work program of the course
. Knowledge of interactive teaching methods, ability to use active learning techniques
· Possession and presentation of basic knowledge about the main stages of formation of scientific knowledge related to the taught subject
· Encouraging the participative activity of Master's students in the course, organizing discussions and motivating them
· Formation of professional knowledge, abilities, and worldview, which is the goal of the educational process, among graduate students
· Ability to develop debate-examination thinking among graduate students by regularly organizing thematic debates
Research
· Possession of skills to carry out individual research
· Mastering and applying the main theories and methods of historical research in professional research
· Mastering and applying the principles of an interdisciplinary approach
· Ability to organize individual and group research and develop analytical skills
· Clear definition and formulation of issues and research priorities related to the subject of study of the taught course
· Mastering the skills of forming methodological and applied abilities aimed at doing independent work in parallel with the strengthening of the knowledge characteristic of different disciplines among the master's students with the approach of academic combination
Communication
· Skills to communicate and cooperate with students and professionals, present reports, and conduct discussions/debates during the course and various educational events.
· Ability to communicate orally with the audience
. Knowledge of a foreign language (at least B1 level of English)
ICT application
· Providing basic knowledge of MS Office package (Word, Excel, Power-Point).
· Proficiency in using social platforms
· Skills in organizing audience demonstrations
Professional abilities
· Defining issues of diaspora studies, comparing professional knowledge and data, and carrying out research works
· Mastering, applying, and presenting basic knowledge related to the Armenian Diaspora in professional courses and research
· Mastering and applying basic diasporic theories and methodology typical to the discipline in professional courses and research
General requirements
Academic degree
· Degree in Social Sciences
Pedagogical experience
· At least 3 years of pedagogical experience
· Participation in professional qualification improvement courses during the last 5 years
· At least 3 published scientific articles in scientific periodicals included in the RA Supreme Certifying Committee list in the last 5 years.
Teaching/Pedagogical
· Clear definition of the educational goals and objectives of the taught course
· Ability to make the work program of the course
. Knowledge of interactive teaching methods, ability to use active learning techniques
· Possession and presentation of basic knowledge about the main stages of formation of scientific knowledge related to the taught subject
· Encouraging the participative activity of Master's students in the course, organizing discussions and motivating them
· Formation of professional knowledge, abilities, and worldview, which is the goal of the educational process, among graduate students
· Ability to develop debate-examination thinking among graduate students by regularly organizing thematic debates
Research
· Possession of skills to carry out individual research
· Mastering and applying the main theories and methods of historical research in professional research
· Mastering and applying the principles of an interdisciplinary approach
· Ability to organize individual and group research and develop analytical skills
· Clear definition and formulation of issues and research priorities related to the subject of study of the taught course
· Mastering the skills of forming methodological and applied abilities aimed at doing independent work in parallel with the strengthening of the knowledge characteristic of different disciplines among the master's students with the approach of academic combination
Communication
· Skills to communicate and cooperate with students and professionals, present reports, and conduct discussions/debates during the course and various educational events.
· Ability to communicate orally with the audience
. Knowledge of a foreign language (at least B1 level of English)
ICT application
· Providing basic knowledge of MS Office package (Word, Excel, Power-Point).
· Proficiency in using social platforms
· Skills in organizing audience demonstrations
Professional abilities
· Defining issues of diaspora studies, comparing professional knowledge and data, and carrying out research works
· Mastering, applying, and presenting basic knowledge related to the Armenian Diaspora in professional courses and research
· Mastering and applying basic diasporic theories and methodology typical to the discipline in professional courses and research
General requirements
Academic degree
· Degree in Social Sciences
Pedagogical experience
· At least 3 years of pedagogical experience
· Participation in professional qualification improvement courses during the last 5 years
· At least 3 published scientific articles in scientific periodicals included in the RA Supreme Certifying Committee list in the last 5 years.
